Reducing Your Risk of AIDS

Do Not Have Unprotected Sex

Sexual activity is the most likely way to become infected with
HIV
. People infected with HIV may not look sick. There is no way to tell if your partner has HIV without having been tested. Take precautions when engaging in intercourse or any other sexual act that results in an exchange of body fluids.

Do Not Share Needles or Syringes

Using a needle or syringe contaminated with HIV-infected blood can cause you to become infected. Do not share needles with anyone.
Remember that people may not even be aware that they have HIV.

Medications to Prevent Infection

If you are at high risk, talk to your doctor about taking medication to reduce your risk of infection. You may be considered high risk if you:

Inject IV drugs and share injection equipment

Have a sexual partner who is HIV-positive

Also, if you have a known exposure to HIV, medications may be given to decrease your risk of getting the infection.

Use Appropriate Safety Precautions for Healthcare Workers or Caregivers

HIV is transmitted through infected blood and body fluids. When caring for patients:

Wear appropriate gloves and facial masks during all procedures or when handling bodily fluids.

Carefully handle and properly dispose of needles.

Carefully follow universal precautions.

Cover all cuts and sores (yours and the HIV-infected person's) with bandages.

Donate Your Own Blood for Elective Surgical Procedures

Blood products are screened for HIV, but there is still a small risk because tests cannot detect HIV immediately after transmission. To reduce your risk of contracting HIV through blood products, consider donating your own blood for elective surgical procedures.

To Prevent Spreading HIV to Others

To prevent spreading HIV to others if you are HIV-infected:

Abstain from sex or limit your number of sexual partners.

Use a latex condom every time you have sex.

Use a dental dam when you have oral sex.

Avoid sexual partners who are HIV-infected or injection drug users.

Do not share needles for drug injection.

Talk to your partner about any sexually transmitted infections you or your partner have.

Let your doctor know if you share needles or have sex with someone who has HIV. Your doctor may want to start medication to help prevent an HIV infection from developing.

Do not donate blood or organs.

Ask your doctor about contraception.

If you do wish to become pregnant, talk to your doctor. There are ways to lower your baby's risk of being born infected with HIV.

If you have a baby, do not breastfeed until you have discussed this with your doctor.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.

A guide to primary care of people with HIV/AIDS. National Institute of Health and Human Services website. Available at:
http://hab.hrsa.gov/deliverhivaidscare/files/primary2004ed.pdf. Accessed May 15, 2013.

HIV and AIDS. American Academy of Family Physicians website. Available at:
http://familydoctor.org/familydoctor/en/diseases-conditions/hiv-and-aids.html. Updated December 2010. Accessed May 15, 2013.

HIV/AIDS. National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Disease website. Available at:
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/topics/HIVAIDS/Understanding/Pages/whatAreHIVAIDS.aspx. Accessed May 15, 2013.

HIV/AIDS. Center for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at:
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/index.html. Accessed May 15, 2013.